First Edition
Safety
&
Instruction
Manual
For Your
Lightning Magazine Rifle
®
U.S. Fire Arms Mfg. Co.
Hartford, CT
®
Congratulations!
You are now the proud owner of the first true
reproduction of the original Colt Lightning Rifle.
Produced from 1884 to 1904, the Medium Frame
Lightning Magazine Rifle was a dramatic
innovation in breach loading firearms. A
remarkably short action stroke, compact size,
made the Lightning Magazine Rifle a success on
the frontier.
In the 21st century USFA integrates advances in
metallurgy, the precision of CNC machining and
the craftsmanship of hand assembly to produce
the Lightning today.
Contents
4-6
Lightning Rifle Cutaway/Major Operating Parts
Directions for Use
6-7
Safety Message
Material for Shooting
8-9
Handling Ammunition
In Case of Misfire
Safe Loading Procedure
10-11
Shooting Your Rifle
When Handling Your Firearm
12-13
Before Firing Your Firearm
When Shooting Your Firearm
Safe Unloading Procedure
14-15
Cleaning and Storage
Disassembly and Reassembly
16-17
Lightning Magazine Rifle
Exploded View
18-19
Original Lightning Rifle Patent Drawing
20-22
Safety Instructions
Special Warnings and Cautions
23-27
Cautions You Should Follow
27-29
Factory Service
Warranty Statement
30
Special Services & Guns to Order
Inside back cover
The Old Armory Custom Shop
3
Major
Operating
Parts
A. Operating Handle & Slide
B. Locking Brace
C. Locking Surface on Tang
D. Firing Pin Safety
E. Trigger
F. Magazine Stop & Safety Sear
G. Bolt
H. Hammer
I. Carrier
K. Extractor
4
U. S. Fire Arms Mfg. Co.
Hartford, Connecticut
New lightning Magazine Rifle
Directions for Use:
When the hammer is at full or half-cock, the action is
released by lowering the hammer. Bring the piece to the
shoulder in the usual way: grasp the handle or slide A, with
the left hand and draw it to the rear. The first part of this rear
movement raises the locking-brace B from the abutment C,
acts upon the firing pin lever D, withdraws the firing-pin,
and releases the magazine gate F, causing it to hold back the
cartridge in the magazine, and as bolt G moves to the rear,
ejects the cartridge shell, cocks the hammer H, and raises the
carrier I, so that when the movement is finished, the
cartridge is in proper position to enter the chamber.
Then push the slide A forward. The movement carries the
bolt G forward, drives the cartridge into the chamber, throws
down the carrier I into position to receive, and withdraw the
magazine gate F to release another cartridge, throws the
brace B against the abutment C, and the rifle is ready for
firing.
After the piece has been fired, or when the breech is closed,
the handle and slide may be locked by half-cocking the
hammer. This action causes a projection on the gate lever,
(shown behind the letter F in the cutaway) to engage a
corresponding recess in the underside of the slide, thus
locking it, and preventing it and the breech-bolt from
moving. As may be seen from the drawing, the handle and
5
slide can only be released by bringing the hammer to the
down position. In the full and half-cock positions of the
hammer, the slide, handle, and breech-bolt are positively
locked.
A feature peculiar to this rifle is, the breech-bolt is brought
clear forward and the extractor is hooked over the cartridge
in the barrel before the magazine gate will allow another
cartridge to be fed to the carrier, and the magazine gate is
positively locked, only allowing one cartridge at a time to
pass from the magazine, thus preventing blocking the breech
action, and the escape of cartridges under the carrier.
The firing pin is held back positively until the cartridge has
entered the chamber, when the bolt is locked so that
premature explosion is impossible.
Safety Message & Production Note
Special notice: Slam-fire Capabilities
The hammer is automatically locked and unlocked by the
hook near the end of the magazine lever F. By this
arrangement the rifle may be loaded and discharged by the
reciprocating motion of the slide, keeping the trigger
constantly pressed back during the working of the slide. The
USFA Lightning follows the same manufacturing details as
the Original Colt Lightning once made  Under the Dome
here in Hartford. Slam-Firing {Squeezing the trigger while
6
functioning the slide to fire the gun} was thought of as a
positive feature and was advertised by Colt 100 years ago.
It is is not recommended, or warranted for safety reasons.
This is a capability of your Lightning Rifle as designed by
the Colt Company in 1884. However, any tampering with
the spring weights or sear surfaces may lead to a dangerous
condition and may render the rifle inoperable. No warranty
is implied or expressed when operated in this manner. It is
unsafe gun handling and not responsible behavior. Practice
proper safety - always wear eye and ear protection.
Material for Shooting
Factory, New, Commercially Manufactured
Ammunition in New Condition.
The ammunition to be used in these rifles is strictly to be
Factory new ammunition and not re-loaded or old outdated
ammunition.
The caliber of your Lightning Rifle is listed on the top of the
barrel near the frame. The caliber of the carbine is listed on
the side of the barrel. This designation is the only type of
ammunition to be used in your rifle.
Please follow ammunition manufacturers guidelines for the
safe storage, disposal, and care or your ammunition. Only
high quality new ammunition should be used in this fire arm.
Use of wrong, old, or re-loaded ammunition can bring your
7
firearm OUT OF PROOF.
Handling Ammunition
Your firearm was designed for a specific type of ammunition
(cartridge), referred to as caliber. The caliber of your firearm
Explanation of barrel markings
Rollmark Ammunition to be used
.44 Cal .44 WCF
.38 Cal .38 WCF
.32 Cal .32 WCF
is clearly marked on the barrel. DO NOT use any other
ammunition than that specified on the barrel of your firearm.
ALWAYS use new, commercially manufactured ammunition.
NEVER mix ammunition of different calibers. Always
handle ammunition with care.
DO NOT drop cartridges or subject them to shock, impact or
heat. The cartridge may explode and cause injury or death.
In Case of Misfire
1. Make certain that the barrel of your rifle is pointed in a
safe direction and wait 30 seconds before opening the
breech.
2. Slide the forearm back and eject the cartridge.
4. Examine the ejected cartridge for damage and dispose of
properly if the primer shows signs that it was struck by the
8
firing pin. If the firing pin did not strike the primer the gun
has malfunctioned and may need service. (See page 28 for
instructions on returning a firearm to USFA for service.
Safe Loading Procedure
If you are sure that your have the specific type of
ammunition for your firearm, you may begin the safe
loading procedure.
" Point the barrel downward. ALWAYS keep your fingers
away from the trigger guard and trigger when loading a
firearm.
" The tubular magazine is loaded through the port on the
right side of the receiver.
" When loading your Lightning Rifle you must hear a
positive  click each time a round is loaded in the
magazine tube. This insures a positive receiving of the
cartridge into the magazine tube.
9
" With the action open and the chamber clear, press the
loading gate inward with the first cartridge until all but
the rim is in the loading port.
" Positive magazine spring tension is common and
necessary in this class of rifle of the period. for proper
feeding into the frame and is also meant to hold the
cartridge securely even during firing. If left loose it could
accidentally detonate the neighboring cartridges in the
magazine tube. Do not modify the magazine spring tension
to achieve an ease of loading-this can lead to serious
damage.
" Insert the next cartridge in the same way pushing the
cartridge ahead of it forward. The cartridges move into the
tubular magazine. Push the last cartridge past the end of
the loading gate until the gate snaps shut. Be sure to listen
for the positive click as the cartridge passes by the
magazine stop. Close the slide, and lower the hammer.
" When you close the slide after loading the gun will NOT be
loaded. In order to shoot you must slowly lower the
hammer and then rack or pump the action. You are now
ready to fire the first round.
" Use only flat nose bullets in the tubular magazine.
Your Weapon is Now Loaded
Use Common Sense and Basic Fire-Arms
Safety.
10
Shooting Your Rifle
Before shooting your Lightning Rifle, be sure the target area
is clear of all obstacles and that no one is in your line of fire.
ALWAYS wear safety glasses. An exploding cartridge will
spray particles that may cause damage to your eyes or
blindness.
ALWAYS wear specially designed ear protection. The noise
from your firearm may lead to temporary or even permanent
hearing loss.
ALWAYS keep your firearm pointed in a safe direction until
you are ready to shoot. Then, follow this four-step
procedure.
1. Aim, by aligning the target with the front and rear sights.
2. Squeeze the trigger gently and evenly to fire.
4. Cock and repeat the steps until all rounds are discharged.
When Handling Your Firearm
" Read and understand the contents of this manual.
" Handle all firearms as if they were loaded.
" Check the firearm for live ammunition when picking it up,
passing it to or receiving it from another person, and
11
before storing it.
" Fully understand the operation of your firearm before
loading and firing it.
Before Firing Your Firearm:
" Always have your firearm pointed in a safe direction. If
you must carry a loaded firearm, always carry it with the
barrel pointing towards the ground. DO NOT carry a
firearm with the hammer cocked.
When Shooting a Firearm:
" When shooting any firearm, wear safety glasses to protect
your eyes from fragments and powder. Wear ear
protection against the loud noise of firing.
" DO NOT put your finger inside the trigger guard until you
are ready to fire.
" When shooting any firearm, be sure the area has a safe,
impenetrable backstop. On a target range, always follow
the range officer s commands to load, fire, cease-fire and
unload.
" Use ammunition specifically recommended for your
firearm. The appropriate ammunition is specified by the
caliber of your firearm and is permanently engraved on
the barrel of your firearm.
" Use only commercially manufactured ammunition.
" NEVER mix ammunition of different calibers.
12
" If your firearm fails to fire, DO NOT try to fire it and
DO NOT try to force the hammer down. Keep your
firearm pointed at the target and wait 30 seconds. If the
firearm does not fire within 30 seconds, point the barrel in
a safe direction and carefully unload the firearm with your
fingers outside the trigger guard.
" When transporting your firearm, be sure that it is
unloaded. Transport your unloaded firearm and
ammunition in separate, secure, locked containers. As an
added safety measure, install a gunlock in the trigger
guard of your firearm when it is being transported.
" DO NOT store your firearm in cloth, leather or paper
wrapping. These will attract and hold moisture which will
cause corrosion and may result in malfunction. As an
added safety measure, store your firearm with a gun lock
in the trigger guard. Store your firearm and ammunition
securely out of the reach of children.
13
Safe Unloading Procedure
IMPORTANT: Before unloading be sure that the muzzle of
your rifle is pointed in a safe direction.
Slide the forearm grip slowly to eject the first cartridge.
Close the action and very carefully and slowly lower the
hammer onto the bolt while gently pulling the trigger.
Repeat these steps until the rifle is completely unloaded.
When no more cartridges eject from the rifle check the
chamber, feed ramp and magazine for cartridges.
Cleaning and Storage
Although smokeless powder is not highly corrosive, it is
important to clean your firearm immediately after use and
periodically when it is stored for a long period of time.
ALWAYS make sure your firearm is unloaded before
attempting to clean it. All metal parts of your firearm should
be kept well lubricated with good quality gun oil. A soft,
absorbent cloth should be used to remove excess oil and to
maintain the finish of the metal.
14
When not in use, ALWAYS store firearms and ammunition
separately in a locked, secure environment securely out of
the reach of children. As an added safety measure, install a
gunlock in the trigger guard of your firearm before storing it.
DO NOT store your firearm in an airtight container.
DO NOT seal the barrel to block out dust. This will cause
moisture to accumulate in the barrel and chambers that will
lead to corrosion of the metal surfaces.
ALWAYS store ammunition in a separate, locked container.
Disassembly and Reassembly
To take apart the rifle -- First check that the rifle is not
loaded. Take out the tang screw. Draw off the butt stock.
Take out the magazine screw at the front end and remove the
magazine. Take out the two side screws, cock the piece and
draw the slide about halfway to the rear and withdraw the
trigger plate. Slide the bolt clear back, insert a punch in the
small hole on the left hand side, and push out the locking
brace pin, and slide out the bolt. The other parts can be
removed without special directions.
To reassemble the rifle -- Replace the parts in the reverse
order from that given for taking the rifle apart.
15
26
27
28
25
29
32
30
37
31
36
4
2
9
8
34
4
3
7
16
17
1
23
9
5
22
10
6
13
24
12
11
35
1 Receiver (FFL only)
2 Left ejector
18
3 Right ejector
19 35
4 Ejector screw (2)
21
5 Loading trap
20
6 Loading trap spring
55
7 Loading trap spring screw
15
8 Loading trap stop screw 18 Trigger spring
9 Side plate screw (2) 19 Trigger spring screw
10 Hammer 20 Main spring
11 Hammer roller 21 Main spring screw
12 Hammer roller pin 22 Magazine stop spring
27 Top cover screw
13 Hammer safety pin 23 Magazine stop
28 Extractor
14 Hammer pin 24 Magazine stop spring
29 Extractor pin
15 Tang screw
30 Firing pin
16 Tang screw 25 Bolt
31 Firing pin lever
17 Trigger 26 Top cover
32 Firing pin lever pin
16
41
39 40 45
42
38
42
43
46
50
49
50
33
49
44
48
49
50
47
49
50
2
51
41 Standard magazine tube
53
42 Standard magazine tube plug
55
43 Magazine spring
44 Follower
45 Magazine lug
14
46 Rifle tube screw
47 Forend stock wood R
52
48 Forend stock wood L
49 Grip escheution (4)
50 Grip screw (4)
53 33 Slide
51 Butt stock
34 Carrier
52 Butt plate, Crescent or Carbine
35 Carrier screw
53 Butt plate screw (2)
36 Locking brace
55 Trigger and stop pin
37 Locking brace pin
38 Barrel (round)
39 Barrel (half round)
40 Barrel (octagon)
17
18
19
Be A Safe Shooter! Keep Out of Reach of Children!
Remember, children can and will find your firearms. Store them
unloaded, with a gunlock in the trigger guard, in a locked gun safe.
Federal Firearms Regulations define safe storage as a safe, gun safe,
gun case, lock box, or other device designed to be used to store a
firearm and that can be unlocked only by means of a key, a
combination, or other similar means.
As a firearms owner and user, you must take responsibility
for the safe handling and safe storage of your firearms.
Safety Instructions.
Notice of Personal Responsibility.
This Manual of Instruction and Safety gives advice on the
safe handling of this gun from U.S.Fire Arms. However,
your safety and that of your family and others depends on
your mature compliance with these instructions and advice.
You must adopt and develop these practices and only you
can employ them in the safe handling of this or any firearm.
These firearms, although simple in design, are complex and
require your full attention to detail. Follow the
recommended loading instructions contained in this Manual.
Every year hundreds of children are shot while playing with
a fire arm. Please do not mishandle this firearm and create
another needless accident. Secure your firearm!
20
Notice of Liability. (Please Note)
U. S.Fire Arms Mfg. Co. shall not be responsible, either in
whole or part, for injury, death, or damage to property
resulting from intentional or accidental discharge of this
firearm, or from its function when used for purposes or
subjected to treatment for which it was not designed.
U.S.Fire Arms Mfg. Co. will not honor claims involving our
firearms which result from careless or improper handling,
unauthorized adjustment, re-manufacture, corrosion, neglect,
or the use of wrong ammunition, bullets, or any combination
of the above. We will not honor claims involving these
firearms for any reason or cause when such claims are made
by a second or subsequent owner.
This instruction manual should always accompany this rifle
and should be transferred with it upon change of ownership.
If you require a replacement instruction manual, write to:
United States Fire Arms Manufacturing Co., Inc.
445-453 Ledyard Street
Hartford, CT U.S.A. 06114
1-877-227-6901
The replacement instruction manual will be shipped for free.
We must remind you that this Authentic Lightning Rifle is a
firearm and can kill you, a family member, and or cause
property damage if it is misused. This is a real gun and
should be treated safely as any modern firearm of today.
21
Notice of Factory Proof.
The small inspectors marks and serial numbers found on
almost any gun of today, including these Lightning Rifles,
are used to provide information about your gun or gun part.
It tells U. S. Fire Arms what exacting standard of
manufacture that part was subjected. Please do not remove
or alter any serial number or Mark of Proof. Please do not
remove, alter, or re-manufacture any part, spring, or metal
bearing surface in any way. A  tuned gun, or, addition of
high performance parts not standard to our firearm will bring
it OUT OF PROOF and out of its normal operating range.
Removal or defacement of marks is considered bringing the
firearm *Out of Proof. A firearm found to be OUT OF
PROOF, whether done by the owner, or on behalf of the
owner, will be brought either back into proof by the factory
or will be destroyed and a replacement made available at
reasonable cost to the owner of the de-commissioned
firearm.
Special Warnings and Cautions
If any gun is carelessly or improperly handled, unintentional
discharge could result, and could cause injury, death, or
damage to persons and or property.
22
Extra Care and Strict Adherence to these instructions by the
gun user, and any person using the gun, is mandatory for
minimizing the risk of accidents, death, or property damage
to you or your family.
When you pull the trigger you must expect the gun to fire.
Be A Safe Shooter! Never load or point any firearm until
you are ready to fire and accept the consequences of your
actions in firing the gun.
Cautions You Should Follow
ALWAYS handle your rifle as if it were loaded so that you
never fire it accidentally when you think it is unloaded.
NEVER point your rifle at anything you do not intend to
shoot so that if it fires, accidental injury, death, or damage to
property will be prevented.
NEVER take anyone's word that a gun is unloaded. Check
for yourself keeping your fingers off the trigger and the gun
pointed in a safe direction, to see that the chamber is empty,
so that you never fire the gun accidentally when you think it
is unloaded.
23
ALWAYS be sure barrel and action are clear of obstructions.
Clean a fouled rifle immediately so that it will function
correctly and safely.
NEVER squeeze the trigger or put your finger in the trigger
guard until you are aiming at a target and ready to shoot.
This will prevent you firing the rifle when it is pointing in an
unsafe direction.
FAILURE to fire. Always hold rifle, keeping it pointed
towards the target and wait 30 seconds when rifle fails to
fire. If a hang-fire (slow ignition) has occurred, rifle should
fire within 30 seconds. if rifle does not fire, remove
cartridge.
DO NOT try to re-fire the defective cartridge.
NEVER fire your rifle near an animal unless it is trained to
accept the noise; an animal's startled reaction could injure it
or cause an accident.
NEVER walk, climb or follow a companion with your rifle
cocked ready to fire (in battery).
ALWAYS wear shooting glasses when loading.
24
ALWAYS be absolutely sure of your target and the area
behind it before you squeeze the trigger. A bullet could travel
through or past your target up to a mile ... if in doubt, don't
shoot!
NEVER shoot at a hard surface, such as rock, tree, or, liquid
surface, such as water. A bullet may ricochet and travel in
any direction to strike you, or an object you cannot see,
causing injury, death, or damage to property.
ALWAYS be sure your backstop is adequate to stop and
contain bullet before beginning target practice so that you do
not hit anything outside the range shooting area.
ALWAYS put someone in charge to maintain safety control
when a group is firing on a range. obey his commands so
that discipline is maintained to reduce the likelihood of
accidents.
ALWAYS carry your rifle empty while on range until
preparing to fire. keep it pointing towards the backstop when
loaded to eliminate the risk of injury, death, or damage to
property.
NEVER leave a loaded rifle unattended. someone,
especially a child, may fire it and cause injury, death, or
damage to property.
25
NEVER use your rifle if it fails to function properly. never
force a jammed action as a cartridge may explode, causing
serious injury, possible death, or severe damage to your rifle.
NEVER leave rifle cocked ready to fire as this condition is
extremely dangerous, and rifle could easily be accidentally
dis-charged, causing injury, death, or damage to property.
NEVER drink alcoholic beverages or take drugs before or
during shooting, as your vision and judgment could be
seriously impaired, making your gun handling unsafe.
ALWAYS seek a doctor's advice if you are taking
medication, to be sure you are fit to shoot and handle your
rifle safely
ALWAYS wear ear & eye protection when shooting.
without ear protection, the noise from your rifle and other
guns close to you could leave a "ringing" in your ears for
some time after firing, and could lead to hearing loss.
Always make sure your rifle is not loaded before cleaning,
storing, traveling, laying it down, or handing it to another
person, so that it cannot be fired when it is unsafe to do so.
ALWAYS store your rifle and ammunition in separate
locked receptacles out of reach and sight of children, to
minimize risk of rifle and ammunition being easily available
for loading and firing. Follow manufacturer's
recommendation for storage of ammunition.
26
NEVER indulge in "horseplay" while holding your rifle as it
may be accidentally discharged.
ALWAYS instruct children to respect firearms. If you teach
them to shoot, teach them to use the rifle properly, and
always supervise your children closely.
ALWAYS stress safety so that your children will not fire the
rifle when it is unsafe to do so.
DO NOT make or attempt to make this alteration. this voids
any warranty expressed or implied on your firearm
Factory Service
IMPORTANT: If you make unauthorized adjustments, or,
use unauthorized replacement parts, or in any way bring this
firearm Out of Proof, U.S.Fire Arms will not assume any
responsibility for the correct functioning of this rifle.
Please use the address below when sending all firearms.
Please do not use the word firearm in the address. Please
insure your gun when shipping to:
USFA Service Department
445-453 Ledyard Street
Hartford, CT U.S.A. 06114
Before shipping your rifle, here are are some important
points to remember:
27
I. MAKE SURE THE RIFLE IS NOT LOADED.
II. Write a letter explaining the problem and your
requirements in as much detail as possible. Include the
model name and serial number of your firearm together with
your return address, then enclose the letter with the rifle in a
well padded package.
III. Do not send presentation boxes, accessories, or
explosive components. Insure the package and contents
against loss or theft.
NOTE: Various Federal and State Laws and local
ordinances govern the transfer and transportation of guns, so
take the advice of the Dealer in your state on how to send or
transport your rifle to U.S. Fire Arms.
28
Warranty Statement
Lifetime warranty.
What is included:
U.S.Fire Arms stands behind its products. U.S.Fire Arms
products are warranted, subject to the conditions below, for
as long as you, the original purchaser, own the firearm. This
is a mechanical device and has a  Life . The life or duration
depending on severity of use, climate, care, ammunition,
Etc.
What is excluded from our Lifetime Warranty:
FIREARMS THAT ARE OUT OF PROOF. An Out of
Proof Fire Arm is one which has been brought out of its
normal operating range; caused by use of non-factory parts,
use of wrong or, re-loaded ammunition, or improper
ammunition, powder, neglect, corrosion, abuse, wear,
alteration of mechanism, defacement of proof marks, serial
numbers, or, alteration of internal or external parts, and, any
other operation or alteration on the fire arm which we feel
brings it Out of Proof. Be sure to retain your sales slip as
proof of purchase and date when making a claim.
29
Special Services & Guns to Order
Historical Letter
When your Firearm was made at The Old Armory, its unique
characteristics were recorded in U.S.Fire Arms - Old Armory
Ledger.
It records specifics such as barrel length, caliber and style of
finish and stocks. As well, it contains the unique serial
number of your historic firearm. The Historic Letter depicts
the Armory as it stands today.
The Historic Letter is available for your firearm. Calling or
write the Secretary of the Armory at the address on the
previous page for more information. The Historic Letter is
included free of charge when you place your Old Armory
Custom Shop order for a custom gun.
 The Finest Private Armory in the World.
30
The Old Armory Custom Shop
The Old Armory Custom Shop signals a New Beginning for
our Old Armory. The making of a Best Quality Gun begins
with the selection of fine quality Stocks & Engraving.
Standard, or Special Patterns or Styles are available and you
would be encouraged to consult one of our Armory
Workmen. Plating of Silver, Gold, and Nickel as well as
selected hardwood stocks are just some of the many personal
choices one has to make.*
*Prices are Subject to Market Rates. Gold, Silver, etc.
The Prairie Mail Box
Order your custom gun today.
®
United states Fire Arms Mfg. Co.
445-453 ledyard St " Hartford, CT 06114 " USA
www.usfirearms.com
1-877-227-6901
Rev. 05-06 Copyright United States Fire Arms Mfg. Co. 2006 All Rights Reserved
©
Printed In U.S.A.